New speed monitors to be posted on Hull Road

Two solar traffic speed signs are scheduled to be placed on Hull Drive in an effort to reduce speeding.

Ruidoso Police Department officers conducted a speed survey on the road that connects Paradise Canyon, Cree Meadows Drive and White Mountain Drive to Gavilan Canyon after a multitude of complaints were received about excessive speeding, Chief Joe Magill reported. Unfortunately, one of the worst times for high speeds occurred during the same period officers were busy directing traffic at area schools.

Several traffic-calming measures to reduce speed on the road are being considered. Staff purchased two solar-powered data signs to be stationed on the road next month that would display the speed limit and the speed at which a vehicle is traveling, Village Manager Debi Lee wrote in her monthly report to village councilors.

Magill also is evaluating the effectiveness of installing a stop sign at Hull and Jack Little Road.

Airport report

As part of Lee's compiled report, Municipal Airport Manager Dave Pearce wrote that at mid-year, airport revenues exceed expenses for Fiscal Year 2012-2013. "We have increased aircraft t-hangars, common hangar and vehicle covered and secured parking rentals," he said. Accumulated expenses remain under budget by $106,507. "Additionally, we have implemented overdue Consumer Price Index adjustments for land leases and water usage."

Fuel consumption for the calendar year was the highest in six years, with 26,258 gallons more sold than in any other year, he reported. "The fuel delivery disparities were solved," he said.

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"Deliveries have sustained error free quantities and documentation is accurate." Audit findings were closed out ahead of schedule and under budget, he said.

The fuel farm was upgraded at Sierra Blanca Regional Airport and using grant money, he was able to add filters to recapture "sumped" fuel, Pearce said.

Other high points included:

¥ crack-sealing, seal coating and striping/marking was completed under budget and ahead of projections.

¥ the airport transitioned to new financial software. The airport now is on the village financial program and receives the appropriate oversight.

¥ outstanding aviation support was provided during the Little Bear Fire in June. The airport staff of six supported 1,307.3 man-hours in the operation over a 20-day period. In total, 1,085 sorties were flown, 54,615 gallons of Jet A fuel pumped by contractors and 16,522 gallons of Jet A sold during the operation. The airport also hangared more than six helicopters during a storm that kept aircraft on-site. Gov. Susana Martinez and U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-NM, stopped at the airport during their visits connected to the fire. The airport provided support for four single engine air tankers fighting the fire.

¥ A successful air show was staged with more than 2,000 attending in a joint effort with the Pine Top Car Club. Food vendors served a steady flow of customers and were well supported, he wrote.

¥ a ramp reconstruction grant was acquired to remove and replace deficient asphalt around the t-hangars.

¥ the State Aviation Department again selected Ruidoso for the site of the next State Aviation Conference.

¥ airport staff worked with other staff to develop a plan and facilitate the removal of infected trees in the village cemetery, saving the village more than $25,000.

¥ the airport participated in the Military 365 Committee and Veterans Day event